The park has quickly become a favorite scenic, hiking, and picnic spot for many residents and visitors. Great spot for a relaxing stroll along the beach or if its a warm day, take a swim in the lake. Parking and bathroom facilities are only located at the entrance to the park at High Bluff Drive. Stunning views of Lake Michigan. It offers stunning views of Lake Michigan and high buffs. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); https://www.instagram.com/beyondthemilestravel, https://www.pinterest.com/beyondthemilestravelllc/, Milwaukee : Long Weekend in the Brew City. Completely agree with you That water is a stunning blue. It's about 100 steps down to the shoreline but the steps meander with many platforms to stop along the way, so it didn't feel overwhelming coming up. Recreational features currently available at Lion's Den Gorge Nature Preserve include: Accessible bathrooms are available at the park in the pavilion building. Follow the river toward the left (bring boots), 2.) There is ample parking, full bathrooms, and picnic areas. Red means the water at the site has water quality issues or there is an emergency. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 45 min to complete. See Legal. Best trails in Lion's Den Gorge Nature Preserve. Google maps tells me it is closed Saturday's and Sunday's? Milwaukee Riverkeeper updates the status of this beach as soon as test results become available. There are also nice benches throughout the trails to take a break if needed. Explore one of 1 easy hiking trails in Lion's Den Gorge Nature Preserve that are great for the whole family. The Lion's Den Gorge Trail in Grafton, Wisconsin is a great 2 mile family hike down the bluffs to Lake Michigan with swimming and picnic opportunities. There are many benches located throughout the trail when you need to rest. Milwaukee : Long Weekend in the Brew City Beyond The Miles Travel Blog. All beaches will be closed if E. coli in a single sample exceeds 1,000 / 100 ml. Follow the paved path down toward the lake on the north side of the parking lot 511 High Bluff Dr, Grafton, WI 53024-9535, $$ - $$$ American Bar Vegetarian Friendly. For questions about Lion's Den Gorge Nature Preserve, contact the park caretaker at (262)241-5868. 2.) }); Dineo is a full-time mom and writer who was born in South Africa but now lives in Madison, Wisconsin, with her husband and their daughter. Fishing What a gorgeous area! Visit Truist Pier 225 to meet our California sea lions. Always obey signs at the beach or advisories from official government agencies. An asphalt driveway/parking lot, informational kiosk, gravel trails, trail bridges and stairways, bluff vistas, and several elevated board walk trails have been added to the park between 2003 and 2008. Lions Den Gorge looks and sounds like an incredible place and I love the views of Lake Michigan too! There is one paved path that will lead to the lake which is a quick 3-5 minute walk. If you arent from Grafton or the neighboring areas, chances are you havent. What hotels are near Lion's Den Gorge Nature Preserve? You can potentially follow the river the entire way out, and then trek back on the surrounding farmlands toward the parking lot. We may manually set the status for a specific beach if we have concerns about the sampling protocol, if there is an emergency, if monitoring practices don't exist or have recently changed, or other reasons that render this site "special.". If you are tired of the wide open lake fronts, this park offers a splendid wooded shoreline. This is truly a hidden gem here in Menomonee Falls and you will be one of the few people that will discover it! At the end of the trail, you will reach a set of stairs that will take you down to the beach below. Beautiful views of Lake Michigan, and very easy hiking for new adventurers. Do not miss it if you are in the area. Parking is free and there is no fee to enter the park. Don't miss the sea lion presentation and Dolphin Celebration presentations or The 4D Theater. According to users from AllTrails.com, the best place to hike in Lion's Den Gorge Nature Preserve is Lion's Den Trail, which has a 4.6 star rating from 1,106 reviews. When you are done with this adventure, you can check out the Water Street Brewery they are family-friendly and a sweet spot to relax and plan another trip to the gorge! There are multiple routes to the bottom. Follow the signs along the Gorge loop toward the "Stairs". The preserve is 72 acres and is located in the town of Grafton, just north of Milwaukee. Lion's Den Gorge Nature Preserve is sampled weekly from May 29th to September 3th. adventures and follow local regulations. They are open from 6 am 9 pm every day of the week. I visited Lion's Den Gorge Nature Preserve in Grafton on a weekday morning in September and was surprised to see the parking lot almost full. But we think after seeing just how incredible this place looks, youll want to make the drive. Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use. You'll get to swim with a snorkel in the Ocean Voyager exhibit, built by The Home Depot, with thousands of amazing animals for the experience of a lifetime. The hikes were peaceful the views stunning - something for everyone!! - Manage notification subscriptions, save form progress and more. How is Lions Den Gorge Nature Preserve rated? Lion's Den Gorge Nature Preserve represents one of the last stretches of undeveloped bluff land along the Lake Michigan shoreline, from Mequon up to Port Was. The preserve is 72 acres and is located in the town of Grafton, just north of Milwaukee. Bird Watching Georgia Aquarium is teeming with over 500 species of aquatic animals from around the world. Stunning views abound in Wisconsin; you just need to know where to look. Are the stairs down to the beach maintained in winter? From north- or southbound I-43, take exit 92 and head east on Hwy. The preserve is 72 acres and is located in the town of Grafton, just north of Milwaukee. 1099 Reviews. The park features a 7262-foot sandy beach that is accessed by hiking trail and a long set of stairs. LION'S DEN GORGE NATURE PRESERVE 511 HIGH BLUFF DRIVE GRAFTON, WI Discover the natural beauty of Ozaukee County. What is the longest trail in Lion's Den Gorge Nature Preserve? C, turn left, and go 1.4 miles to High Bluff Dr. Take a right and drive 0.25 miles to the entrance. From the parking lot, go south toward the signs for Quarry lake. Off Road Parking Areas Journey with Gentle Giants - Dive . The loop trail is about two miles long, but there are intermediate bypasses to facilitate shorter walks. Things to Do in Grafton Lion's Den Gorge Nature Preserve Lion's Den Gorge Nature Preserve See all things to do Lion's Den Gorge Nature Preserve 5 106 reviews #1 of 6 things to do in Grafton Nature & Wildlife Areas Visit website Call Write a review About Features animals Learn more about animal welfare in tourism Passed water quality tests at least 95% of the time. Yellow means the beach passed water quality tests 60-95% of the time. Leave a little bit earlier if you have time so that you can do both! Thank you! Parking and bathroom facilities are only located at the entrance to the park at High Bluff Drive. They are open from 6am to 9pm. Follow the paved path down toward the lake on the north side of the parking lot The park includes massive bluffs, sand dunes, forests, creeks and bridges, hiking trails and stunning vistas of the Lake Michigan shoreline. I think the Great Lakes are such an underrated spot. Lion's Den Trail. Which you wouldnt necessarily have to do. When swimming season is over or when a beach's water quality data has not been updated frequently enough (weekly) it goes into historical status. The Outbound works best with JavaScript enabled. Hiking: There are a few trails located in the Nature Preserve. Sad it's been loved to death and poorly managed. Lions Den Gorge Nature Preserve has 4.5 stars. I went for the second time this weekend after discovering that this place existed. Please read and obey all posted regulations while enjoying your day at the beach. Whatever you have planned for the day, you can find the perfect trail for your next trip to Lion's Den Gorge Nature Preserve. . Never Saw a Lion But there Are Shallow Caves. Stunning views of Lake Michigan and high bluffs. It has beach access along it's entire length, multiple hiking trails, and a great quarry lake that can be used for fishing, hiking, or general exploring. The trails can get a little icy but it's just as lovely covered in snow. It is an especially beautiful place in the spring and fall. What restaurants are near Lion's Den Gorge Nature Preserve? Frequently asked trail questions about Lion's Den Gorge Nature Preserve. Its amazing how blue the water is, at points I almost felt like I was looking out into water in the caribbean! The bluff overlooking the lake was breathtaking; this park is dog-friendly and wheelchair accessible. There are 3 waterfalls here, mostly under 5 ft high, see if you can find them all! There are 3 waterfalls here, mostly under 5 ft high, see if you can find them all! A single sample at a freshwater beach should not exceed 235 E. coli / 100 ml of water. This used to be less well known, but because of "stay at home" and covid, it's much more popular since people are exploring their own backyards again, which I guess is a good thing, but makes for more crowds! Always cooler near the lake. Has anyone walked North toward south Beach from Lions Den and seen the old car on the beach? Location and Hours 511 High Bluff Dr, Grafton, WI Lion's Den is open year-round from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Get to know this 3.4-km circular trail near Grafton, Wisconsin. This state park is about a 30 minute drive north from Milwaukee on I-43. Perfect place to view a beautiful Easter sunrise over Lake Michigan. This beach has many jetties that go out into the water which are closed off however they make great foreground interest if you are coming here for photography! These views are uncompromised in the area! See the beach description for more information regarding their special status. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your A perfect little afternoon adventure. If you're looking to capture some beautiful pictures of Wisconsin, or just want to hike along the shores of Lake Michigan, Lion's Den Gorge Nature Preserve is where you need to be. Hotels near Lion's Den Gorge Nature Preserve: Restaurants near Lion's Den Gorge Nature Preserve: 99% of travelers recommend this experience. Find the travel option that best suits you. This means that rather than displaying current data it displays the beach's average water quality for that year. They are posted when a single sample exceeds 235 E. coli / 100 ml or when the geometric mean of samples collected over a 30-day period exceeds 126 E. coli / 100 ml. Ozaukee County121 W. Main St.P.O. This entire loop will take you approximately 1 hour from the parking lot to the lake roundtrip. There are over 2 miles of walking trails, which are easy to navigate and marked well. Within a short walk from the parking lot, are stunning views of Lake Michigan and the high buffs. Hits: 104324 Size: 72.0 Acres The Lion's Den Gorge Nature Preserve is an "ecological jewel" within the Ozaukee County park system. All just 30 minutes north of downtown Milwaukee, WI. We made a stop on our way down the coast of Lake Michigan and didn't regret it. Wear . This park offers fantastic views; we started hiking from the boardwalk across the parking lot, enjoyed a gentle hike on a wheelchair path. I could not get over how beautiful the water of the lake looked from the bluffs. From the parking lot, go south toward the signs for Quarry lake. Open full screen to view more. It was nice to hear the roar of the lake as we came in to the shore from the stairway. Lion's Den Gorge Nature Preserve Photos (1,177) Directions Print/PDF map Length 2.1 miElevation gain 147 ftRoute type Loop Check out this 2.1-mile loop trail near Grafton, Wisconsin. Leashed dogs are welcome at Lion's Den Gorge Nature Preserve, which represents one of the last stretches of undeveloped bluff land along the Lake Michigan shoreline, from Mequon up to Port Washington. This is one of the best kept secrets in SE WI. Little Menomonee River Fish and Wildlife Preserve, Notice of Unclaimed Funds-Sheriffs Department. You could take a stroller or wheelchair through most of and just skip going down to the water. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. What a beautiful place. Would not have guessed Lake Michigan! Located along the largest of the great lakes, Lake Michigan it features 100 foot tall bluffs along one mile of the lakes shoreline. You can take a bus from Sheboygan to Lion's Den Gorge Nature Preserve via Milwaukee, Wisconsin & Water, and Grafton . I dont go there anymore I feel like I'm hiking in downtown Chicago at rush hour. Five story bluffs. We did need a little more adventure than the marked pathway so we hoped of and trekked a bit off the path. This entire loop will take you approximately 1 hour from the parking lot to the lake roundtrip. Youre unlikely to see any lions but you may encounter some beautiful birds in the preserve. Get more stories delivered right to your email. Travelers should use caution and not stray from the generous paths as there is poison Ivy just beyond the edges of some trails, The trails are well marked and mapped. Nice rest benches are available at strategic locations. This trail is 2.1 mi long with an elevation gain of 147 ft. Prior to your visit, be sure to check the local weather forecast at: https://www.weather.gov/mkx/ and pay attention to changing weather and water conditions. Heard of it? This trail is estimated to be 2.1 mi long and takes on average 45 min to hike. I didnt either, I heard it was like a tropical paradise which is why I went but didnt believe how beautiful it would be til I saw it with my own eyes. Lion's Den Gorge is a gorgeous nature preserve featuring a variety of unique nature scenes. Its a great road trip for children, be sure to bring lots of snacks, and changing clothes (in case you get wet!). 1.) Lion's Den Gorge Natural Area. Medium priority beaches are sampled at least twice per week. Its well worth the journey, however. Looks like a gorgeous hike. Dineos other passion is for writing children's pictures and she currently has 5 books in circulation. To keep it free, we depend on donations from people like you. This is truly a hidden gem here in Menomonee Falls and you will be one of the few people that will discover it! High priority beaches are sampled at least five times per week. Yes it is. There are a lot of paths to follow that all loop back to the parking lot. There are a lot of stairs to get down to beach area as the cliffs are high - but the views from above are just as incredible! They are posted when a single sample exceeds 235 E. coli / 100 ml. According to AllTrails.com, the longest trail in Lion's Den Gorge Nature Preserve is. The first time I came here I couldn't believe the color of the water, it looks like you are in the Caribbean! AllTrails has 1 great trails for hiking and more. As part of this, Dineo spends much of her time outdoors, once hiking 21 miles in 8 hours and she is keen that her daughter spends as much time outside as is possible. Don't stop at the gorgeous (pun intended) views from the top, going to the bottom of the Lion's Den Gorge is a must-see all year round! It's a nice little park not too far off the interstate. The Cedar Loop trail was peaceful with scent from the cedar trees. It looks like a cool beach destination . Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. According to AllTrails.com, the longest trail in Lion's Den Gorge Nature Preserve is Lion's Den Trail. Definitely Che k out the marsh walkway and the frogs! I love the look of Lions Den Gorge Nature Preserve. Lions Den Gorge Nature Preserve is a great place for fishing, bird watching, hiking, and picnicking. Dozens of acres of trails and exploration. The park features a 7262-foot sandy beach that is accessed by hiking trail and a long set of stairs. Q. From the photos, I never would have guessed this is in Wisconsin. I did not expect the sandy beach and that water! It's not a whole car there are no doors hood seats etc but it's a whole car frame rims etc.. Heath Units in Wisconsin test beaches from May through September. In sum, Lion's Den Gorge is a beautiful park with stunning views of Lake Michigan, and with access to a pretty long beach which has high bluffs on one side. For the past 6years, she has been an ambassador for Hike it Baby, a non-profit organization that connects families with babies and young children to the outdoors and each other. The park offers tremendous viewing and educational opportunities, including access to a Natural Area that has remained untouched since before the European settlement of Wisconsin. USA and Lion's Den Gorge Nature Preserve, WI, USA? No, it is a free state park. Looked like a picture perfect spot putting it on the WI list! Lion's Den Gorge Nature Preserve (Grafton) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go. What a lovely spot to explore. Lots of people not a lot of solitude, too many dogs and thier poo. If you are craving an island vacation Lions Den Gorge is definitely worth a drive! Please explore responsibly! Once you get to the bottom there are two paths you can take: 1.) Lion's Den is open year-round from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. LIONS DEN GORGE NATURE PRESERVE - 110 Photos & 36 Reviews - 511 High Bluff Dr, Grafton, Wisconsin - Hiking - Phone Number - Yelp Lions Den Gorge Nature Preserve 36 reviews Unclaimed Hiking, Parks, Fishing Open 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM See hours See all 114 photos Location & Hours 511 High Bluff Dr Yelp users haven't asked any questions yet about . Wisconsins tropical destination. Over 1/2 mile of 90- to 100-foot bluffs look out onto Lake Michigan, offering tremendous viewing opportunities for residents and visitors.Lion's Den Gorge Nature Preserve is also adjacent to a 44 . Here is a great list to get you started. Friesian Herd Tours, Workshops, Classes and Retreats in the Kettle Moraine area. Want to find the best trails in Lion's Den Gorge Nature Preserve for an adventurous hike or a family trip? This is a longer hike than just simply appreciating the lake from the top. The geometric mean of 5 samples from a marine beach should not exceed 35 Enterococci / 100 ml of water. Lions Den Gorge Nature Preserve is not just any park you run into in Wisconsin its like a tropical destination in the Midwest. There is a wheel chair accessible trail. adventures and follow local regulations. I live nearby and have been to this park in every season and wanted to note that it's open during the winter. She enjoys running, camping and hiking whenever the opportunity arises and her ambition is to be able to travel the world, volunteering her time to help the needy and using the experiences she gains to write even more childrens books. 2023 The Outbound Collective - Terms of Use - Privacy Policy. This beach has many jetties that go out into the water which are closed off however they make great foreground interest if you are coming here for photography! There are picnic tables and portable toilets available at the park. Join Milwaukee Riverkeeper for an event this summer! There are many benches located throughout the trail when you need to rest. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 45 min to complete. Parking is free and there is no fee to enter the park. Are they reasonably safe to walk in winter? Swim Guide shares the best information we have at the moment you ask for it. We depend on financial support from individuals and organizations to restore and protect access to water for all people. Lion's Den Gorge Nature Preserve. The lakeshore is nice and the trails are mostly wide and well kept. Most People Have No Idea This Unique Park In Wisconsin Exists, The Unique Park Everyone In Wisconsin Should Visit At Least Once, What Life Is Like On The Tiny Island In Wisconsin With No Cars, If You Live In Wisconsin, Youll Want To Visit This Amazing Park This Winter, Heres Wisconsins Top Outdoor AttractionAnd Youll Definitely Want To Do It, 12 Fascinating Things You Probably Didnt Know About Lambeau Field In Wisconsin, Here Are The 8 Most Beautiful Gardens Youll Ever See In Wisconsin, Rent A UTV In Wisconsin And Go Off-Roading Through Black River State Forest, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources/Flickr. Recreational public beaches in Wisconsin are tested May through September. We are fortunate to live in a city so abundant with outdoor fun, summer festivals and community events. Grey means water quality information for the beach is too old (more than 7 days old) to be considered current, or that info is unavailable, or unreliable. The views of the high bluffs from the beach are stunning. All just 30 minutes north of downtown Milwaukee, WI. Green means the beachs most recent test results met relevant water quality standards. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher.